April: The Best Of

April is normally a busy month for me with a number of family and friends birthdays but this year I had another birthday to add to the mix which was my Blog Birthday! I have to admit I didn’t make a big deal about it as I wasn’t sure how to make the occasion…giveaway in May anyone??

There were a number of nice things that happened in April but starting back to work full time unfortunately wasn’t one of them. It was and still is, a shock to the system, however I am grateful to be back to a normal routine.

I apologise for not doing a “Best of March” blog post but I think I covered the creme de la creme of the month in rounding up our holiday to NYC and I am pretty sure I brought you all up to speed in those posts!

Best Of The Memories

This April my Aunt hit a milestone Birthday and there was no better way to celebrate it than afternoon tea at the Merchant Hotel. The Merchant holds so many happy memories for me as we’ve had some lovely times there such as my Sister’s wedding, my own wedding,  Valentines Day spa breaks and birthday dinners and brunches in the Jazz Bar so it’s always exciting to  get to celebrate another special occasion there.

After my Aunt’s birthday a couple of weeks flew past and then boom, it was my Birthday. I am heading rather swiftly towards my 30s (sometimes it feels a bit more swiftly than I would like).  Unfortunately, I had to work on my actual Birthday (Note to Self: Book it off next year) but we celebrated at the weekend instead with dinner and cocktails at Neptune & Prawn on the North Coast which is fast becoming one of my favourite spots.

Any birthday wouldn’t be complete without some prezzies. You know those occasions when hubby gets it right? Well, say hello to my new Christian Louboutin clutch. An instant classic and a bag I will reach for again and again, day or night.

Isn’t it a beauty?

Although big presents are lovely, it’s the little things that really make the day special.

Hubby surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of Sweet Avalanche roses delivered to me at the office. These were the flowers that I had on my wedding day and are forever my favourites.

Talking about weddings it was our 2 year wedding anniversary on the 24th April, I have already blogged about what we got up to. you can catch up  here.

Best Of The Outfits

I had a few outfits which I loved this month. My favourite purchase was a classic navy blazer, it’s my personal highlight from the range ‘Archive By Alexa at Marks & Spencer’. I have lusted after this blazer since I spotted it on a press release a few months a go and it hasn’t disappointed! You can purchase it online here.

‘That coat again?’ I hear you ask… no joke I am in love with my blush pink Topshop truster. Its pastel hue just promises of fresh sunny spring days. It works great with my 9-5 or combined jeans and converse at the weekend and I just flipping love it. True story.

Best of The Rest

Every so often you come across a cupcake that rocks your world. How lucky am I that a friend of mine makes said cupcakes! Not only does she make them super fluffy and light but she’s also got a serious knack for decorating them too. You know who you are!

I had the absolute joy of attending a Benefit make up master class in Moore’s of Coleraine. (please pardon how awful I look as I rolled in after a long day at work). We were shown a gorgeous make up look and how to recreate it at home. I picked up some amazing tips on how to use some of the products and even made a few sneaky purchases.

How glamorous is Amy Lou Faulkner btw?? I had to be a fan girl and get a photo.

So what has May got to offer? Well there is the excitement of having my home getting featured in a local interiors magazine as well as a few dinner dates on the cards and maybe even a surprise or two. Until next month…

Much Love,

Judy xo

Irish Blogger | NI Bloggers | Belfast Bloggers | Blogger Northern Ireland

Two For Joy

Although I have been married to Mr S for two years it feels a lot longer.  People always say, ‘when you get older time speeds up’ which is true, but why? Is it because we are busier? Are we not living in the moment as much? I honestly feel someone has flipped a switch and put things in hyper speed!

How things have changed! I’m not just talking hairstyles 🙂

To mark the special occasion we had a mini break away to Killinchy in County Down Northern Ireland. Having had wonderful recommendations from family it seemed like the perfect chance to break away from ‘normal life’ for a night.

We started our day off on Saturday with a coffee and lunch at The Pocket in Belfast, just perfectly perched in front of Queens University, such a gorgeous little spot. I had the three mint tea which was super nice and Mr S was impressed with the coffee.

A perfect mix between quirky and cute with unbelievable toasties to boot.

Sufficiently fed and watered for our road trip to Co. Down, off we embarked on the rest of our adventure and arrived at The Mill at Balloo which is nestled in a gorgeous little village which is on the way to Strangford lough and somewhere near Killinchy.

The Mill is a family run B&B and the couple who own it are some of the  friendliest hosts I have ever met. Paul the owner showed us to the ‘River Room’ and after a friendly conversation left us to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. So after taking some photos for this blog we sat by the river, soaked up the sun and relaxed.

For dinner that evening we went to ‘Upstairs at The Balloo‘ which is a bit of a special treat and one I was thoroughly looking forward to.

We had three courses including an amuse-bouche which was all so yummy that not a morsel was left. Unfortunately I was too busy enjoying my food and a few glasses of champagne to remember to take snaps. You will just have to visit and try it for yourself 🙂

It was such a lovely relaxed atmosphere, the waiting staff were were chatty and after dinner we talked by the fire and finished off our drinks before heading to our home for the night. The B&B is within walking distance of the restaurant and takes about 5 minutes, maybe a bit longer if you decide to wear heels!

The next day we ate our hearty cooked breakfast, bid farewell to the lovely surroundings and hosts and off we went on our travels.

The first on the itinerary was Scrabo Tower.

As you can see from the clouds, the rain was coming in fast so we were no sooner down before the heavens opened and our day of outdoor pursuits quickly changed to indoor ones so we went for a quick walk around St Georges Market in Belfast and then off to Established in Cathedral Quarter in Belfast for second breakfast 🙂

These my friends are rice pudding pancakes with blueberry and rhubarb compote, candied almonds and lemon mascarpone. Wow, that was a sentence and a half! Needless to say they were polished off in minutes and washed down with a delicious coffee. I have to admit Established do a pretty awesome brunch.

Pondering about what to do next, we googled to see what was on in The Mac. A few exhibitions were closing that day so we dodged the rain showers on the short walk from Established and into one of my favourite places in the city.

I just love the exhibitions they present and it is so lovely to get a little slice of culture in Belfast.

Having filled our hearts with happiness and memories to cherish we made the trip home to our furry son Hugo and enter back into reality.

Until our next adventure..

Much Love, Judy

Irish Blogger | NI Bloggers | Belfast Bloggers | Blogger Northern Ireland

Investment on Interiors: The Statement Chair.

I have a real ‘thing’ about cute statement chairs, I am instantly drawn to them in any interiors shop or website. You will be amazed at how this one statement piece can instantly transform a room.

In my living room I have a gorgeous chair in the most interesting fabric which gets a lot of compliments from visitors and also from my lovely followers on Instagram and Social Media.

I paired this chair with the Baslow corner sofa from Laura Ashley and they work beautifully together. I love how the fabric changes with the seasons and it’s contemporary print is one that I never seem to tire of  as I find it so interesting to look at.

As always, Pinterest provides great inspiration on this and has some amazing examples of how to style a statement chair.

I have picked a few of my favourites that are about at the moment, I think you will agree they are rather lovely!

Kubrick Wing Back Chair in Candy Pink// Made.com £395

Calvin Armchair in Maize// Swoon Editions £349

Gibson Chair in Charcoal Houndstooth// Next £425

Lille Armchair in Flecked Barley// Swoon Editions £349

Woven Armchair by Ian Snow// Wayfair £442.99

Much Love,

Judy xo

Irish Blogger | NI Bloggers | Belfast Bloggers | Blogger Northern Ireland

Whats In My Bag

I love reading posts and watching YouTube videos of what people have in their bag. One reason is that it makes me feel better about myself that I am not the only one who carries the contents of what could only be described as a standard bin in the bottom of my bag, the other, well just human curiosity and nosiness.

I am going to show you what’s  in my ‘weekend handbag’ as the bag I take to work has all sorts of nursing equipment, gloves etc and you wouldn’t find it that interesting.

First of all, the bag.

Isn’t she a beauty? This little ‘Gem Tassel Saddle Bag‘ sent to me by the good people of Accessorize has everything I love wrapped up in cute and compact form.  Plus, it’s a fab price too at only £22.

Ok now for the inside.

This is basically everything I carry in my weekday bag, minus the work stuff.

Let me give you a little run down;

Kate Spade Purse

iPhone 6 with Theodore Grey monogrammed cover

Coach Wristlet (which I keep cosmetics and incidentals in)

Eve Lom Kiss Mix

Bliss Body Butter

Charlotte Tilbury in ‘Bitch Perfect’

Keys, which are in a ‘Key Smart‘ (so you don’t have to carry around a set of bulky keys)

What I love about metallic bags is that they go with everything and are a bit more edgy than a nude or cream. Isn’t this little bag a match made in heaven with my Topshop silver shoes?

I hope you have enjoyed a peek inside my bag.

Much Love,

Judy xo

Irish Blogger | NI Bloggers | Belfast Bloggers | Blogger Northern Ireland

Make It Personal

If its monogrammed I’m all over it. Personalised? I’m there.

If you follow me on Instagram (@french_grey_lifestyle) you will know I like to add those personal touches to my home and basically anywhere I can. It can get a bit twee if you go overboard so I suggest modern, fresh and minimalist styling and you’ll get the look spot on.

Now you have some inspiration, lets shop!

Hand Stamped Teaspoon // La De Da Living

Homegrown Monogrammed Mug// Anthropologie £8

LED White Light// La De Da Living £14.99

Monogrammed Towels// Not On The High Street from £29.95

Bright Alphabet Cushion// Next £10

Alphabet Votive Candles// Bombay Duck £9.50

*You can get 15% off La De Da Living online with the code ‘brandrep2’ ends 30th April

Much Love,

Judy xo

Irish Blogger | NI Bloggers | Belfast Bloggers | Blogger Northern Ireland

Copper Accents For Your Home Under £20

Copper home accessories have been about for the last few seasons and are set to be a big thing for Spring/ Summer 2016 too. What appeals to me about copper is that it almost has a pink undertone meaning it’s just not as bright and obvious as gold. I particularly love it paired with grey and pink for a modern, chic contrast.

See below for some inspiration from Pinterest on how to integrate it into your home. Just remember, not all that glitters is gold.

 

I have set myself a task of finding 5 updates for your home under £20! I hope you enjoy.

Copper Mirror// H&M £12.99

Copper Basket// Matalan £4.00

Copper Light Pendant// Dunelm £14.99

Copper Cocktail Mug// Oliver Bonas £15

Copper Foil Poster// Not on the High Street £13.50

Much Love,

Judy xo

The Classic Trench

It is an unwritten rule that no capsule wardrobe is complete without a chic classic trench coat.

Every Spring for the past 6 years I have reached for my trusty Topshop trench, it’s versatile enough to be dressed up for work or for a more casual look you can combine it with converse for a quick scoot into town (or city break to NYC hehe ). If you cast your mind back to my NYC blogs you will see that I absolutely love mine and wore it the whole time.

Here are some of my favourite trench coats on the high street at the moment, which one will you invest in?

Military Trench Coat// Topshop

Lightweight Belted Truster// Topshop

Classic Trench Coat// Whistles

Khaki Skater Trench// ASOS

Tall Navy Trench// Missguided

Much Love,

Judy xo

Pale Blue Bedrooms

It must be the promise of fresh spring days in the horizon that has me drawn to the palest of blues, duck egg and chalky hues.

This calm and mellow colour is just made for the bedroom. You don’t need to live by the coast to pull it off either. Here is some inspiration to whet your appetite.

*Images via Pinterest

In my own bedroom, I tend to buy bedding in blue and most recently bought a gorgeous blue bird one out of ASDA (if you know me, you know I only have good things to say about their bedding).

I have picked a few bits and pieces to help inspire you to transform your bedroom into a fortress of calm and tranquility, enjoy.

Double Bed, Cambridge Blue// Made.com

Rouen Stool, Duck Egg Blue// Swoon Editions

Bluebirds Duvet// Laura Ashley

Harriet Hare Stripe Cushion, Blue/Grey // House of Fraser

Pale Blue Bonaparte Bedside Table// French Bedroom Company

Dragonfly Jewellery Box// ASDA

Much Love,

Judy xo

NYC Diaries: What We Did.

This little post concludes the NYC Diaries, did I save the best for last? Well, I hope so!

If you are planning a trip to NYC, you need two books. One being the Cereal Travel Guide, the second the Monocle Travel Guide (Thanks Sarah Louise aka. The Small Town Girl for this recommendation!).

I’ve just realised I haven’t mentioned our hotel in any of my diaries which is a bit of a faux pas. We stayed in the Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue for all of our trip. Seeing as this will be our last trip to NY for a while we thought ‘hey! we might as well stay somewhere iconic.’ Location wise, its in Midtown which is fairly central. If you go to NYC, walking is how you will mostly get about but there is always a cab or Uber just around the corner.

So back to the hotel, its steeped in art deco glamour and it was BUZZING the whole time we were there, I have never seen a busier place in my life. Great for people watching with a coffee in my hand.

Madmen Cocktail Tour

One of the highlights of the week by far though  will probably say this about everything I talk about. Having been heartbroken when the Madmen TV series ended there was no better way to celebrate/commiserate than having a tipple in some of the spots Don Draper and co. visited in the show!

We met our tour guides (Josh and Cheiu) at the clock in grand central station and were introduced to the rest of the group all of whom,  were modern day ‘mad men’ working for an ad firm on Madison Av.

We started off in the Oyster Bar in Grand Central,  Josh (from Side Walk Tours) set the scene from the TV series and we  got to know the rest of the group over a Tom Collins.

Next stop was The Roosevelt, which was only a quick walk away. Another round of cocktails were ordered in very luxe surroundings. After I soaked up the atmosphere with and a Martini (dry, straight up, stirred, with an olive garnish of course) it was time to be off to our next and final destination.

Our last stop of the night was The Monkey Bar, which I have to say had the best cocktails of the three, and the tastiest bar food. We chatted and laughed the night away with the group having lots of random discussions and we even got some recommendations of restaurants and places to go. A very enjoyable night all round. So off I (literally) Grand Jeté’d down Madison Ave and back to the Waldorf.

9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory

After a lovely brunch at The Egg Shop in Soho, we decided to walk to the south of Manhattan to visit the 9/11 Memorial Plaza and see One World Trade Centre. The 9/11 memorial plaza is a beautiful and yet sobering tribute to the past but yet it remains a place of hope for the future.

Afterwards we decided to go visit One World Observatory at top of One World Trade Centre. This was an amazing experience, with spectacular views of Manhattan from the highest point in the entire island. The building is an architectural feat and it was amazing to see how the city came together to make something good come from a dark and difficult time.

Top of the Rock

Visiting the place where we got engaged 4 years ago, the Top of the Rock is a different experience to the WTC as you get to go outside look down on the city and take in all the sounds, sights and smells. It is really fantastic and holds a lot of sentiment for me. Every time I look at that ice rink I see Mr S down on one knee popping the question, please excuse me as I have a teary moment!

Museum of Modern Art

I do love a good dander around a gallery and staring at paintings it gives me so such inspiration (great mindfulness activity too) and there is nowhere better to do it than MoMA.

I just loved strolled around, taking in all the artwork, I’ve always wanted to see Monet’s Waterlilies with my own eyes, such a gorgeous painting. We also got to enjoy the sun in the sculpture garden, all round a fantastic day. If you are time poor in NYC you could do the MoMA in a few hours, museums like the Met take days to look at everything properly.

Les Misérable at the Imperial Theatre

As you know the choice on Broadway is just immense, so we settled for this classic before it finished its run in March.

If you don’t know the story, it’s set in the 19th Century France and is based on the Novel by Victor Hugo. Many people have nightmares when thinking about it, as it may bring you back to A Level English Literature, some may know it from the 2014 film staring Anne Hathaway, but I personally love the story.

Needless to say by the end of the performance there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The set and effects were just fantastic, the singing was out of this world and it was possibly the best theatre experience I have ever had.

That concludes my NYC Diaries for now, I hope you have enjoyed reading about it and if you are planning a trip to NYC, that you’ve got some inspiration.

Much Love,

Judy xo

The NYC Diaries: What I Wore and What I Bought.

After shopping and packing for end of the world snow and cold conditions, as the days edged closer to our holiday the trusty iPhone weather app greeted us with news that it was to be 20 plus degrees Celsius for more or less most of our time in NYC. Meaning panic stations as I raided my wardrobe for more versatile and lighter clothing to layer!

For travelling I always wear a chunky cardigan and pashmina as it gets super chilly on long haul flights and you need layers. I always take my LK Bennett tote bag, it fits loads, is light and also the pop of pink is so cheery!

On reflection I should haven taken more outfit photos, but we were having so much fun I completely forgot.

This was our first day and it was super warm. I was thankful I packed this Topshop Chambray shirt. The Khaki jeans were from New Look and the sneaks are New Balance 373s which have done some walking around cities in their time.

My bag, which I have had a lot of enquiries about is from M&S. It was super light and compact and easy throw into my suitcase at the end of the holiday.

Also. Dimples.

This photo was taken on our Mad Men Cocktail Tour which I will talk about in my next post. This is my famous ‘Joan’ dress, which I wear religiously to most fancy occasions. As I have got older I see the importance of timeless, classic pieces that I can grab time and time again and that never look dated. Mr S is wearing a Remus Uomo Navy suit and Ted Baker tie.

Even though I bought a new camel wool coat for going on holidays, I opted for my trusty Mac. I think I bought it in a Topshop sale when I was at University, almost 9 years ago. It hasn’t let me down yet!

So…on to what I bought! Just an FYI, I didn’t go crazy in the shops, sometimes we buy for the sake of buying which isn’t a great habit to get into. So I opted for some pieces which I hope will compliment my capsule wardrobe.

You can’t go to America and not come home with at least one item from J Crew. I got this red and white summer weight Breton, hanging at the end of a rail all sad and lonely on its own and when I went to pay for it..there was 70% off, which was more than lucky.

I know, another Breton. I just can’t get enough of ‘& Other Stories’, it is one of my favourite shops in the world and it was so nice to have a walk through an ACTUAL store. I will be teaming this little beauty with white/blue jeans in the sunnier days and hopefully if I can track some down, pink satin converse. I couldn’t find any in NYC, so the search continues. (If anyone can help me out with finding said converse I will be eternally grateful).

I posted a little shot of this for those who follow me on Instagram. My dear friend Miss McC bought one of these on her travels last year and I was itching to get my hands on one too. It reads, “Go girl, seek happy nights to happy days..” which for those who don’t know it is a quote from Romeo and Juliet. Its amazingly pigmented so only a little will do. This is also from ‘& Other Stories’.

‘Finally’ I hear you all cry, when will we find out what was in the Tiffany bag. Well, it’s not diamonds this time, but something I have wanted for so very long. It’s a Tiffany Infinity ring in sterling silver. It caught my eye a few years ago and I finally had the chance to go to somewhere special to purchase it. I love when jewellery has a special sentiment or occasion behind it, it makes it a lot more precious.

I know you saw me with loads of Kate Spade bags on Snap Chat, but they were gifts and not for me, *cries*. Although, to cheer us up, here are some snaps of the Kate Spade pop-up home and clothes shops in SOHO.

Also, can we just take a minute to appreciate how beautiful the Tutu in Reppetto’s window was?

There’s a small part of me that still believes I will one day be a ballerina.

Much love,

Judy xo